How To Fix SHDI020 - Tables locked by user &1.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SHDI - Texts Image archive Transaction variants

• Message number: 020

• Message text: Tables locked by user &1.

What causes this issue?

You attempted to edit a root node in the change mode.
Someone else is currently editing this root node.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Wait until the other user completes editing and releases the block.

Procedure for System Administrators

The key root directory is locked in table SHDFOLTREE.
If necessary, this lock entry can be removed with transaction SM12.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SHDI020 - Tables locked by user &1. ?

  The SAP error message SHDI020 indicates that a specific table is locked by a user, which prevents other users from accessing or modifying that table. This can occur in various scenarios, such as during data updates, batch processing, or when a user is performing a transaction that locks the table for exclusive access.
  Cause:
  
  User Lock: A user is currently accessing or modifying the table, which results in a lock being placed on it.
  Long-Running Transactions: A transaction that takes a long time to complete may hold a lock on the table longer than expected.
  Deadlocks: In some cases, deadlocks can occur where two or more transactions are waiting for each other to release locks.
  Background Jobs: Background jobs that are processing data may also lock tables, preventing other users from accessing them.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Identify the Locking User:
  
  Use transaction code SM12 to view the list of locks in the system. You can filter by the table name or user ID to find out who is holding the lock.
  
  
  
  Release the Lock:
  
  If the locking user is identified and it is appropriate to do so, you can ask them to complete their transaction or log off to release the lock.
  If the user is not available or the transaction is stuck, you can manually delete the lock entry in SM12 (ensure you have the necessary authorizations to do this).
  
  
  
  Check for Long-Running Transactions:
  
  Use transaction code SM66 to monitor active processes and identify any long-running transactions that may be causing locks.
  
  
  
  Review Background Jobs:
  
  Check if any background jobs are running that might be locking the table. You can use transaction code SM37 to monitor background jobs.
  
  
  
  Optimize Transactions:
  
  If the locking issue is frequent, consider optimizing the transactions that access the table to reduce the duration of locks.
  
  
  
  Implement Lock Management:
  
  If applicable, implement better lock management strategies in your application to minimize locking conflicts.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SM12: Display and manage lock entries.
  SM66: Global overview of active processes.
  SM37: Monitor background jobs.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to locking behavior in specific versions of SAP.
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on database locking mechanisms and best practices for managing locks in SAP systems.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SHDI020 error and manage table locks effectively in your SAP environment.